Sunday, May 11, 2008

Electric Guitar Distortion Effect

The electric guitar has the ability to produce clean harmonic sounds and beautiful, warm melodies. However, there is no guitar effect as powerful as distortion.

Distortion is an effect produced by increasing the amplifier gain setting to a high level. The result is a crunchy, cutting sound.

On the lower, heavier gauge strings, such as the low "E" string, distortion produces a "chugging" sound that resembles a deep growl or bark. This type of sound is commonly used in rhythm guitar.

On the higher strings, such as the "B" string, distortion creates a "whining" or "crying" sound which makes lead guitar sound awesome.

Play around with some different distortion guitar pedals, such as the Boss Metal Zone. There are usually a few settings to tweak to create a sound that you will . If you don't want something so intense, then decrease the gain setting on your amp. The effect works best when the treble and bass are high and the mid-tones are low.